Experience Japanese Baseball Like a Local

Learn chants, stadium food, and fan culture from a Japanese high school baseball fan.

MESSAGE FROM RYUTO

FROM A JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOLER WHO LOVES BASEBALL.

My name is Ryuto. I'm a high schooler in Japan, and I've loved baseball since I can remember. I want international fans to experience the energy and excitement of Japanese ballparks the way locals do.

I want the world to feel the excitement I feel at Japanese stadiums.

PlayBase is my project to share that. The free PDF guide is the playbook - chants, food, phrases, and players you need to know before your first game.

THE MAGIC OF NPB VS MLB

3 THINGS THAT MAKE JAPANESE BASEBALL UNIQUE.

Three iconic features of Japanese baseball you won't find at an MLB ballpark.

OUTFIELD CHEERING & CHANCE THEMES

Fans sing player songs and chance themes together, turning every big moment into a stadium-wide performance.

THE BEER GIRLS (URIKO)

Smiling staff with backpack kegs walk through every aisle, delivering cold draft beer right to your seat. Unique to Japan.

THE 7TH-INNING JET BALLOONS

In the 7th inning, thousands of jet balloons are released in unison at select ballparks. The sky fills up - a spectacle locals never miss.

Show the sound of Japanese baseball.

Lyric fragments, rhythm marks, towels, flags, and a conductor-style fan leader can help international fans understand the culture instantly.

2026 STADIUM FOOD GUIDE

YOU DON'T JUST WATCH BASEBALL. YOU TASTE IT.

Each Japanese stadium has its own signature food. Here are 3 to try.

BELLUNA DOME - SAITAMA SEIBU LIONS

SIGNATURE CURRY & BLUE LEMONADE

The crowd-favorite curry locals plan their pre-game around. Pair with the iconic glowing blue lemonade.

KOSHIEN - HANSHIN TIGERS

KOSHIEN CURRY & YAKITORI

Decades of Hanshin tradition served on a paper plate. Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) is the must-have.

JINGU - TOKYO YAKULT SWALLOWS

JINGU WIENER PLATE

A heap of grilled sausages that pairs perfectly with Jingu's late-inning umbrella dance.

Cheat Sheet - Speak Like a Local Fan

Simple Japanese phrases for your visit.

Pull up your phone, point, and say.
(Full 20-phrase set in the PDF.)

One draft beer, please.

生ビール、ひとつください。

Nama-biiru, hitotsu kudasai.

Can I take a photo?

写真、いいですか？

Shashin, ii desu ka?

Let's go! / You can do it!

頑張れ！

Ganbare!

Excuse me. / Sorry.

すみません。

Sumimasen.

Where is the restroom?

トイレはどこですか？

Toire wa doko desu ka?

CHANT CULTURE & 2026 STARS

FUTURE MLB STARS WARMING UP IN JAPAN.

Beyond cheering culture, NPB is also hometo players overseas fans should watch in 2026.

Kaima Taira - Saitama Lions

RP - Closer - 160 km/h Fastball

Kaima Taira is a hard-throwing reliever with the Saitama Lions. With a top fastball over 160 km/h, he's drawing the attention of MLB scouts. Watch him close out a Lions game in 2026.

160 TOP KM/H

1.05 ERA

28 SAVES

Kona Takahashi - Saitama Lions

SP - Starting pitcher - Power right-hander

Kona Takahashi gives overseas fans another Lions pitcher to watch. A starting pitcher profile adds contrast to Taira's closer role and makes the page feel more like a 2026 watchlist.

SP ROLE

RHP ARM

2026 WATCH